We are Leeds
Formed in 1919, Leeds United Football Club was created as the successor of Leeds City. The previous club was forcibly broken up after it was revealed players had been paid. At the time, paying football players, at least out in the open, was against the rules of the game. The newly created club not only kept the ‘Leeds' name but played home matches at the incredibly large Elland Road stadium. The ground remains Leeds United's home to this day.
In 1920, Leeds United were elected to the Second Division of the Football League after the league was expanded. Leeds United were promoted to the First Division for the first time in 1924.
For the most part, Leeds United were just another English football club, and there was nothing special about them until the arrival of Don Revie in March 1961. Revie, a former player, would go on to establish the Leeds style of football while simultaneously becoming their greatest-ever manager. The review was to Leeds United what Bill Shankly was to Liverpool or Sir Alex Ferguson was to Manchester United.
Revie changed everything about the club from match preparation to the team's kit. Before Revie's arrival, Leeds United wore blue and yellow. He wanted the club to compete with the best in Europe, so Revie changed the club's home kit to all-white like Real Madrid's home strip. Revie won two First Division titles as Leeds United manager between 1961 and 1974.
Leeds United returned to the forefront of English football in the 1990s. Manager Howard Wilkinson brought a number of players to the club, including Eric Cantona. Leeds United claimed a third league trophy in 1991-92. It was the last First Division title before the tournament was renamed the Premier League. A huge financial collapse around 2000 saw Leeds United relegated to the Championship in 2004.
Bet on Leeds United
Leading sportsbooks offer betting markets on Leeds United every matchday of the football season. The long football campaign allows bettors to wager on the Yorkshire-based club in various ways. Bettors can wager on Leeds United as the outright winner of the Premier League, League Cup, or the FA Cup competition before they kick off each tournament.
Bettors can bet on one-off matches, players, correct scores, goals, and more. Major bookies also offer special offers on big games in the league or domestic cup competitions. Of course, football bettors love to wager on Leeds United when they play the Premier League's big teams, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Bettors can select bets on the Super Whites in the transfer market and which player(s) will arrive at the club each transfer window. If the club changes, bettors can even wager who will be the next manager to join the Elland Road outfit.
Leeds United Players
From 2020 to 21, Leeds United was one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League. They conceded goals and scored them in nearly equal measure. Marcelo Bielsa has some exciting players in the team for the new season, including Jack Harrison, Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford, and Raphinha.
In 2020-21, Leeds United played their first season in the Premier League in 16 years. Bamford scored 17 goals during the campaign to lead the team in goals. Harrison is an exciting player who plays on the wing. He bagged eight goals for the team. While Bamford and Harrison are goal-scorers, Phillips is one of the best-holding midfielders in the Premier League. He helped England reach the Euro 2020 final.
Leeds United Honours
First Division/Premier League
Champions (3): 1968–69, 1973–74, 1991–92
Second Division/Championship
Champions (4): 1923–24, 1963–64, 1989–90, 2019–20
FA Cup
Winners: 1971–72
EFL Cup
Winners: 1967–68
FA Charity/Community Shield
Winners: 1969, 1992
European Cup/Champions League
Runners-up: 1974–75
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
Runners-up: 1972–73
Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
Winners: 1967–68, 1970–71
Leeds United All-Time Top Goalscorers
1. Peter Lorimer – 238 goals
2. John Charles – 151 goals
3. Allan Clarke – 187 goals
4. Tom Jennings – 117 goals
5. Billy Bremner – 115 goals
Leeds United Legends
Leeds United have had some of the best players grace English football, wearing all-white kits. Don Revie, Billy Bremner, and Joe Jordan are three of the greats to play at Elland Road.
More recently, the club had the likes of Eric Cantona, Harry Kewell, and Rio Ferdinand in the ranks. Cantona was the catalyst for Leeds United's most recent First Division title. It was the final season before the Premier League kicked off.
Billy Bremner: Leeds Icon
Billy Bremner, one of the most iconic figures in Leeds United's history, joined the club as a young teenager in 1959. His journey from a raw talent to a legendary midfielder is a story of dedication, skill, and leadership. Born in Scotland, Bremner's tenacity and determination quickly became apparent, making him a pivotal part of the Leeds United team.
The Rise of Leeds United
During Bremner's time at Leeds United, the club experienced a remarkable transformation. Under Don Revie's management, the team evolved from a lower-tier side to one of the dominant forces in English football. Bremner was at the heart of this resurgence, playing a critical role in midfield and contributing to the team's success.
Leadership on and off the Field
Bremner's leadership qualities were unmistakable. He was appointed captain of Leeds United, a role he embraced with passion and commitment. His influence extended beyond his skills on the pitch—Bremner was a motivator and a driving force, inspiring his teammates to perform at their best. His leadership helped Leeds United maintain their competitive edge during the club's most successful era.
Key Achievements with Leeds United
During Bremner's tenure at Leeds United, the team secured numerous accolades. Leeds won the First Division title twice, in 1969 and 1974, with Bremner playing a significant role in both triumphs. The team also lifted the FA Cup in 1972 and the League Cup in 1968, further solidifying its position among England's elite football clubs. Bremner's contributions were instrumental in these victories, demonstrating his skill, resilience, and determination to succeed.
A Fierce Competitor
Bremner's style of play was characterized by his aggressive approach and relentless energy. He was a fierce competitor who never backed down from a challenge, earning the respect of teammates and opponents. This tenacity often led to intense moments on the pitch, with Bremner's fiery temperament sometimes getting him into trouble. However, his passion for the game and his commitment to winning were undeniable.
Legacy and Impact
Billy Bremner's impact on Leeds United and English football is lasting. His leadership and skill helped shape the club's golden era, and his name remains synonymous with Leeds United's success in the 1960s and 1970s. Bremner's legacy extends beyond his playing career—he was later inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.
Remembering a Leeds United Icon
Bremner's memory is celebrated by Leeds United fans and football enthusiasts worldwide. Statues and memorials honour his contributions to the club, reminding him of his enduring legacy. His influence on the team and the wider football community is a testament to his remarkable career and his indelible mark on Leeds United.
Jack Charlton: England, Ireland and Leeds Legend
Jack Charlton's journey with Leeds United began in 1950 when he joined the club's youth team. Despite his initial foray into the coal mining industry, he chose to pursue a career in football, following in the footsteps of his younger brother, Bobby Charlton. Jack Charlton's career with Leeds United would span over two decades, marking him as one of the club's most enduring and respected players.
A Key Figure in Leeds United's Rise
Under Don Revie's management, Leeds United transformed from a Second Division side to one of the most formidable teams in English football. Jack Charlton played a crucial role in this transformation, becoming a central figure in the club's defence. His towering presence, strength, and tactical awareness made him a cornerstone of Revie's defensive strategy.
Achievements and Milestones
Charlton's career at Leeds United was filled with significant achievements. During his tenure, the club won the Second Division title in 1964 and was promoted to the First Division. Leeds United continued to succeed in the top tier, winning the First Division title in 1969 and 1974. Charlton was instrumental in these victories, providing stability and leadership.
In addition to league titles, Charlton was part of the Leeds United team that won the FA Cup in 1972 and the League Cup in 1968. His performances in these competitions were characterized by his solid defence and ability to read the game. He often thwarted opponents' attacks with his positioning and experience.
Jack Charlton's Leadership and Influence
Beyond his defensive skills, Charlton was known for his leadership qualities. He captained Leeds United several times, demonstrating strong discipline and commitment to the team's success. His leadership on the field was complemented by his willingness to mentor younger players, helping to instil the values of hard work and teamwork.
A Player of Grit and Determination
Charlton's playing style was marked by his physicality and determination. He was not afraid to make robust tackles and used his height advantage to dominate aerial duels. This approach earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents, although it occasionally led to confrontations on the field. Nevertheless, Charlton's grit and toughness were vital to Leeds United's success during the club's golden era.
Legacy and Post-Leeds United Career
Jack Charlton's legacy at Leeds United is undisputed. His 773 appearances for the club remain a record, and his contributions to the team's success are celebrated by fans and historians alike. After retiring as a player in 1973, Charlton embarked on a successful managerial career, most notably leading the Republic of Ireland to the World Cup quarterfinals in 1990.
Remembering a Leeds United Icon
Leeds United fans and the wider football community honour Charlton's memory. His name is synonymous with dedication, loyalty, and excellence in defence. Statues and memorials at Elland Road pay tribute to his remarkable career, ensuring that future generations will remember his impact on Leeds United and his legacy.
Other legendary players to have worn the famous all-white strip are:
Don Revie
Gordon Strachan
Peter Lorimer
Eddie Gray
Norman Hunter
Mark Viduka
Gary McAllister
lee Bowyer
Harry Kewell
John Charles
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Nigel Martyn
Lucas Radebe
Allan Clarke
Vinnie Jones
David Batty
Tony Yeboha
Gary Speed
Rio Ferdinand
Leeds United Managers
No manager has done more for Leeds United than Don Revie. The former Leeds United player became manager in 1961 and set out to transform the club. Revie altered everything about the club's work and even gave them the iconic white home strip.
Don Revie: The Visionary
A former professional footballer, Don Revie took charge of Leeds United in 1961. At the time, the club struggled in the Second Division, with little hope of rising to the upper echelons of English football. Revie, however, saw the potential for greatness and embarked on a transformative journey that would turn Leeds United into one of the most successful clubs in England.
Revie's Vision for Leeds United
Revie's approach to managing Leeds United was both innovative and meticulous. He introduced uncommon organization and discipline in English football during the 1960s. Revie focused on creating a strong team culture, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and a relentless work ethic. He fostered a sense of unity among the players, turning them into a cohesive unit that played with a common purpose.
Building a Winning Team
One of Revie's key strategies was developing young talent. He emphasised scouting and nurturing promising players from the youth ranks, ensuring a steady talent pipeline for the first team. This approach paid off, as many players he brought through the ranks became integral to Leeds United's success.
Revie's tactical acumen was also crucial to Leeds United's rise. He was known for his innovative formations and adaptability on the pitch, allowing Leeds to outwit their opponents. This tactical flexibility became a hallmark of the Revie era, contributing to the team's success in domestic and European competitions.
The Glory Years of Leeds United
Under Revie's leadership, Leeds United experienced unprecedented success. The club won the Second Division title in 1964 and was promoted to the First Division. In the following years, Leeds United became a dominant force in English football, winning two First Division titles in 1969 and 1974. Revie's team also secured the FA Cup in 1972 and the League Cup in 1968, demonstrating their versatility and strength.
Leeds United's success extended to European competitions as well. The club reached the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1973 and the European Cup in 1975, establishing themselves as a formidable force on the continental stage.
Revie's Legacy at Leeds United
Don Revie's legacy at Leeds United is profound. His tenure transformed the club from a struggling Second Division team into a powerhouse of English football. Revie's meticulous planning, innovative tactics, and focus on teamwork set a new standard for football management. His influence extended beyond the pitch, shaping the culture and ethos of Leeds United for years to come.
Controversies and Departure
Revie's time at Leeds United was not without controversy. His team's physical style of play and confrontational attitude earned them criticism from some quarters, leading to the "Dirty Leeds" moniker. Despite this, Revie's achievements cannot be understated. He left Leeds United in 1974 to manage the England national team, leaving behind a club he had shaped into a dominant force.
Remembering Don Revie
Don Revie is remembered as one of the most successful managers in Leeds United's history. His impact on the club and English football as a whole is undeniable. Revie's vision and leadership laid the foundation for Leeds United's golden era, creating a legacy that inspires future generations of players and managers.
Howard Wilkinson is arguably the club's second-greatest manager. Wilkinson joined the club in 1988 and oversaw the team's first Second Division title in 1989-90 and its last First Division championship in 1991-92.
